Are Pitbulls Legal in Florida? Restrictions & Guidelines

Pitbulls have a reputation for being vicious, dangerous dogs that shouldn't be allowed near children nor owned as pets. Because of this, Pitbulls have long been the target of breed-specific legislation (BSL) in various parts of the United States and worldwide.

If you're a fan of the breed and live in Florida, you may be wondering if it's legal to own one in the Sunshine State.

Yes, it's legal to own a Pitbull in Florida. However, several counties have strict regulations for Pitbull ownership.

The Miami-Dade Pitbull Ban

For decades, Miami-Dade was the only county in Florida to ban Pitbulls. The ban started in 1989 when a Pitbull attacked a 7-year-old girl named Melissa Moreira while she was helping unload groceries. After the attack, owning, keeping, or harboring a Pitbull within the county limits became illegal.

The ban covered dogs that fall under the American Kennel Club’s standards for Pitbulls. This includes the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and similar breeds. Both pure and mixed-breed dogs were affected. Violation of the ban was punishable by fines, impoundment of the Pitbull, and even criminal charges.

This legislation predated Florida's statewide prohibition of breed-specific legislation,1 enacted in 1990. As a result, Miami-Dade County's ban was "grandfathered" in and remained legally valid for decades.

In 2012, Miami-Dade voters upheld the Pitbull ban. However, in 2023, the ban was lifted when legislators passed a new law called "Authorization of Restrictions Concerning Dogs" that eliminated exemptions and nullified all local breed bans across the state.2

Florida Counties With Pitbull Restrictions

Although you can legally own a Pitbull throughout Florida, several counties have imposed severe restrictions on owning one:

Below is a closer look at each type of restriction on Pitbull ownership:

Confinement Restriction

This requires Pitbull owners to be confined securely either indoors or in a locked and fully enclosed pen with the following requirements:

• All four sides must be at least six feet in height
• A top/covering
• A clearly visible sign that says "Dangerous Dog"

This also makes it illegal for Pitbulls to be walked within 50 feet of schools.

Muzzle Restriction

When taking a Pitbull outside, they're legally required to be muzzled and leashed at all times. The leash can't be longer than six feet.

Insurance

Counties with this ordinance require Pitbull owners to get liability insurance to "protect the public and to afford relief from the severe harm and injury which is likely to result from pit bulldog attacks."

The owner must also prove their financial capability to pay damages up to $300,000.00 for property damage, bodily injury, and other incidents.

Registration

This requires Pitbull owners to register their dogs with the county's animal control office. If it's a newly acquired Pit, you only have 72 hours to register it. Aside from details about the owner and the Pitbull, registration also requires proof of insurance.

Ban from Parks and Recreational Areas

In Palm Beach County, it's illegal to bring Pitbulls into any parks and public recreation areas.

Summing Up

Although Florida has made breed bans illegal and owning Pitbulls is legal across the state, some local restrictions are still in place. If you live in the counties we discussed above, be sure you understand and follow the ordinances in your area. Aside from helping you avoid hefty fines and legal trouble, it's also a way to keep your Pitbull safe from others who still discriminate against the breed.

• See also: When Does a Pitbull Stop Growing? Facts & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: Nata Bene, Shutterstock